Croatia Istria Wine Roads

Arrival in Buje where you will meet your local guide. Upon arrival to your hotel in Buje, we will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a roadbook. Overnight in Buje, in heart of Istria, a peaceful oasis for relaxation and an ideal starting point for daily exploration of this beautiful area.

This tour starts with an easy downhill ride to the coast on the northernmost point of Istrian peninsula. There is a lighthouse which you can visit, and, according to the legend, was built by Count Metternich as his love nest. Savudrija is one of the oldest lighthouse in the Adriatic, built in 1818. It is also the northernmost Istrian lighthouse. Its building is 36 meters tall and there is a keeper living inside it.

The trail continues south to Umag. A little town with about 45 km of the coastline and interesting hinterland integrates special features of the whole region and might be the best introduction into a different experience of the Mediterranean. Umag's history is extremely interesting: it was founded by a Roman nobleman who decided to make it his summer residence. The glamour and magnificence of the historic times can be seen today in the Venetian houses of the old town. City walls and fortification are partially preserved as well as some renaissance and baroque buildings and churches. Vineyards and olive groves will create an atmosphere of a typical west Istrian landscape. Visit a wine cellar to taste the muscat, a local variety of wine.

Distance : 48m (29mi).

Elevation : 530m.

From the Buje area, you will be cycling through Kršete's picturesque village and arriving to a small town called Brtonigla. It has churches and monasteries from the 15th century. Going further, the trail leads through vineyards and olive groves of the Brtonigla area. Teran wine is very popular and originated from this area.

Across endless vineyards, you'll reach Novigrad where you can visit the olive oil production and taste some of the best oils and essentially taste Istria.Through the Dajla and Karigador villages on the coast, you will eventually ride through Lovrecica, a Venetian bishops coastal village.Following the road through Škrinjari, Babii and Buroli villages, you'll see traditional Istrian houses. A road along a vineyard will take you back to your hotel.

Distance : 50km (31mi).

Elevation : 536m.

From Buje, you will continue towards Groznjan, a typical Istrian medieval town sprout high on top of a hill along the right coast of the river Mirna, renaissance loggia dating from 1585 and the beautiful St. Vitus and Modesto’s baroque church. If you wander in its streets, you will see that almost every door leads to art studios or galleries and windows from every direction echo the sounds of different music genres from classical to jazz. Because of this, Groznjan is known as "the town of artists".

Oprtalj has preserved an urban medieval style of building with narrow streets, shops, beautiful Venetian palaces, doors and covered passages. It also has a particularly unique view of the Istrian peninsula from the town loggia, according to many as the most beautiful of Istria. From Oprtalj, you are riding downhill and can enjoy the view on Mirna river before eventually arriving in Livade, the truffle center of Istria. Be sure to visit a local truffle shop and taste it in various forms. The truffle is a underground malodorous fungus believed to be an aphrodisiac. On the hill in front of the Livade is Motovun, surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval hilltown. Around Livade is the Motovun forest which streches along Mirna River valley and is especially rich with truffles. Overnight in Motovun.

Distance : 37km (23mi).

Elevation : 811m.

Begin in the historic town center, enjoying the views before you set off. This part of the trail goes from inland to the

coast. It follows the road to Višnjan where you will pass by one of the 5 most famous observatories in the world. The road continues to the town of Višnjan which is on 246m altitude and from there you'll be able to catch a view on west Istrian coast and the coastal town of Poreč. In Višnjan surroundings is possible to visit many wine cellars with wine from Poreč area, especially Malvasia. Tour continues to Tar, a little town on the hill above the sea and to Nova Vas village by the famous Baredine cave. Once in Poreč, visit the famous Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll along the seafront promenade. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the old town. Overnight in Poreč.

Distance : 39km (24mi).

Elevation : 400m.

From Porec, the journey starts with the opportunity to visit the most valuable monument in Porec: Euphrasiana, a church build in 6th century. Follow the road until you reach the village of Bacva village. Bacva is the highest point of this stage and there are local restaurants with traditional dishes where you can enjoy tasting local food. It continues to southern villages and comes down to the coast in the town of Vrsar.

With a commanding view of the coast, it was only natural for Vrsar to become a defended fortress. Only parts of the fortification system, built in the 12th century, have been preserved but the fortress-castle was used as summer residence of the Porec bishops. It's well worth a visit. After Vrsar, the route passes through a traditional fishing village, Funtana, and then more touristic villages, Zelena and Plava Laguna, on the doorstep of Porec.

Distance : 45km (28mi).

Elevation : 460m.

You can choose between taking a car transfer to Kanfanar or reach it on your own bike. If you would like to take a car transfer to Kanfanar you have to inform us in advance (at least 24h before or on info meeting if possible).

Start riding on a secondary local roads through small villages. Passing vineyards, towns Sv. Lovreč and Kanfanar you will reach Svetvinčenat. With its grandiose Morosini-Grimani citadel with towers, parish church, municipal loggia and a line of 16th century houses of the Renaissance and a town cistern - šterna in the middle, Svetvinčenat really belongs to a range of the most attractive Venetian creations of that period effected in this region which held one of the rare witchcraft trials in Istria during 17th century.

Continue cycling on asphalted road you will reach Bale. You can visit the Bembo palace, city square and museum. From Bale you will be riding on mix of gravel and asphalted roads and trail all along the coast until you will reach Rovinj, the "Pearl of Adriatic“. Known for its picturesque old town and vibrant harbor. With narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Venetian-style buildings, and a bustling waterfront, Rovinj exudes a unique blend of history and Mediterranean charm. The town’s centerpiece is the Church of St. Euphemia, which offers stunning views from its bell tower. Rovinj is also famous for its lively arts scene, delicious seafood restaurants, and beautiful beaches. The nearby islands and nature parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities, making Rovinj a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. Overnight in Rovinj.

Distance : 66km or 76km (41mi or 47mi).

Elevation : 790m or 890m.

Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Rovinj. (Depart on your own). Depending on your wishes, we can arrange additional accommodation or transportation before or after your tour.